Essential Art Supplies Every Beginner Needs

What to Buy as a Beginner Artist?

Starting your journey as an artist is exciting, but with so many supplies available, choosing the right materials can feel overwhelming. Whether you're experimenting for the first time or looking to build a strong foundation, having the right tools makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have art supplies for beginners, helping you get started with confidence.

At Oxlades Art Supplies, we offer a carefully curated selection of paints, brushes, canvases, drawing papers, and essential tools to suit every budget and skill level. Let’s dive into the essentials!

Paints – The Foundation of Every Artwork

One of the most exciting parts of starting your art journey is choosing the right paint. Beginners often start with acrylic paint because it’s versatile, quick-drying, and easy to use. It works on various surfaces like canvas, paper, and wood, making it a fantastic all-rounder.

If you prefer watercolours, they’re great for soft, fluid effects and layering, while oil paints offer a rich, blendable texture for a more traditional feel. We stock top-quality brands like Chroma, Derivan Matisse, and Chromacryl, ensuring you get the best results from your materials.

Tip: If you’re just getting started, a basic acrylic or watercolour set is an excellent choice to explore colour mixing and techniques without the complexity of oil paints.

Brushes – The Right Tools for the Right Strokes

A good paintbrush can completely change the way your artwork looks and feels. Different brush types create different effects:

• Flat brushes for bold strokes and coverage
• Round brushes for detail and fine lines
• Filbert brushes for soft, blended edges
• Fan brushes for texture and special effects

At Oxlades, we carry FSC-certified brushes, ensuring both quality and sustainability.

Pro Tip: Always clean your brushes properly after use to extend their lifespan and maintain their shape.

Canvas & Paper – The Surface Matters

Choosing the right surface is just as important as the paint you use. Stretched canvas and canvas panels are great for acrylic and oil paints, offering durability and texture. For watercolour artists, investing in high-quality watercolour paper prevents warping and enhances colour vibrancy.

If you’re sketching or working with dry media, drawing cartridge paper in standard or heavyweight options is perfect for pencil, charcoal, and pastels. Oxlades offers a variety of premium mixed media papers, allowing you to experiment with different techniques on the same sheet.

Tip: If you’re unsure, start with a sketchpad and a small canvas set to see which surface you prefer!

Essential Drawing Tools – Sketch, Outline, and Perfect Your Work

Every artist needs a reliable set of drawing tools, whether for planning compositions or creating finished pieces. Some essentials include:

• Graphite and charcoal pencils for shading and depth
• Erasers and sharpeners for precision and corrections
• Fine liners and markers for outlining and detail work
• Blending tools for smooth shading

Oxlades stocks a fantastic selection of drawing tools, including FSC-certified Faber-Castell and Staedtler pencils, known for their eco-conscious approach and high performance.

Pro Tip: A good sketchbook is a must-have for any artist. Use it for practice, brainstorming, and refining your skills before moving to final pieces.

Additional Must-Have Art Supplies

Once you’ve covered the basics, a few extra tools will elevate your creative experience:

• Palette knives for mixing and textured painting
• Painting palettes to organise your colours
• Fixatives & varnishes to protect and preserve your artwork
• Storage solutions to keep your workspace tidy

These accessories make your creative process smoother and more enjoyable, ensuring you get the best results from your materials.

Start Your Artistic Journey with Oxlades Art Supplies

Starting as an artist is all about exploring, learning, and having fun! With the right materials, you’ll be able to experiment freely and develop your unique style.

At Oxlades Art Supplies, we offer high-quality, affordable, and eco-conscious products to help you create with confidence. Whether you're shopping for acrylic paints, brushes, drawing supplies, or professional-grade canvases, we've got everything you need in one place.

Ready to get started? Browse our online store today and bring your creative vision to life with Oxlades!